In an exciting prelude to the 2024 Year of the Dragon, Guangzhou’s Chimelong Safari Park has unveiled its new residents: Komodo dragons. The zoo introduced these magnificent creatures to the media this week, marking a significant milestone in China’s wildlife conservation efforts.
The park has successfully bred 25 Komodo dragons, making it the largest Komodo dragon breeding base in China. Native to Indonesia’s Komodo Island and surrounding areas, these apex predators are the world’s largest lizards, with some of Guangzhou’s new residents already measuring over 2 meters in length.
“It’s a remarkable achievement for us,” said a spokesperson from Chimelong Safari Park. “Breeding Komodo dragons in captivity is challenging, and we’re proud to contribute to the preservation of this endangered species.”
The timing of their debut is particularly significant. The Year of the Dragon is considered auspicious in Chinese culture, symbolizing power, strength, and good fortune. The arrival of the Komodo dragons adds a living embodiment of these qualities to the city’s cultural landscape.
Chimelong Safari Park is also constructing a dedicated Komodo dragon exhibition hall, set to open before the Chinese New Year festivities in February. Visitors will have the opportunity to observe these fascinating creatures up close and learn about their natural habitats and conservation status.
The introduction of the Komodo dragons is expected to boost tourism and offer educational opportunities for locals and visitors alike. As part of the park’s commitment to wildlife conservation and public education, the new exhibit aims to raise awareness about the importance of protecting endangered species.
Reference(s):
cgtn.com
